Life cycle analysis technique

In (Andrawus et al., 2006) a hybrid of an RCM approach and Asset Life Cycle Analysis technique is used to find the optimal maintenance strategy for a wind turbine. In this paper possible failure modes and their causes and consequences are determined by RCM approach and it is concluded that condition based maintenance is the most cost effective option for the selected wind turbine. 

In the previous chapters, thermodynamic analysis is used to improve processes. However, as pointed out in Chapter 9 (Energy Conversion), the exergy analysis did not make any distinction between the combustion of coal and natural gas and, as a result, could not make any statements regarding toxicity or environmental impact of exploration, production and use of the two fuels. A technique that can do this is LCA. What exactly is life cycle analysis In ISO 14040 [1], life cycle analysis (or life cycle assessment) is defined as "the compilation and evaluation of the inputs, outputs and potential environmental impacts of a product throughout its life cycle."... 

Eagan, P. and Weinberg, L., Application of analytic hierarchy process techniques to streamlined life-cycle analysis of two anodizing processes, Environ. Sci. Technol., 33, 1495-1500, 1999. 

Perhaps the most powerful life-cycle cost technique is net present value (NPV) analysis, which explicitly accounts for inflation and foregone investment opportunities by expressing future cash flows in present dollars [16]. 

Life-cycle analysis A technique for assessing the environmental aspects and potential impacts associated with a product, by (1) compiling an inventory of relevant inputs and outputs of a process, from the extraction of raw resources to the final disposal of the product when it is no longer usable (so called from cradle to grave analysis) (2) evalnating the potential environmental impacts associated with those inputs and outputs and (3) interpreting the results of the inventory and impact phases in relation to the objectives of the study. 

Use of life-cycle assessment techniques to analyze material choices, processes, and waste disposal continues to increase. Some countries in Europe require life-cycle analysis before products are introduced. The U.S. EPA and the Department of Energy have jointly sponsored research to develop the tools and information needed for life-cycle analysis-based decisions about solid waste management strategies. The results of this project have already undergone peer review by experts, and are scheduled to be released in 2000. This study includes both economic and environmental aspects, and will have relevance internationally as well as in the United States. ... 

This book on natural rubber presents a summary of the present state-of-the-art in the study of these versatile materials. The two volumes cover all the areas related to natural rubber, from its production to composite preparation, the various characterization techniques and life cycle assessment. Chapters in this book deal with both the science of natural rubber - its chemistry, production, engineering properties, and the wide-ranging applications of natural rubber in the modern world, from the manufacture of car tyres to the construction of earthquake protection systems for large buildings. Although there are a number of research publications in this field, to date, no systematic scientific reference book has been published specifically in the area of natural rubber as the main component in systems. We have developed the two volumes by focusing on the important areas of natural rubber materials, the blends, IPNs of natural rubber and natural rubber based composites and nanocomposites their preparation and characterization techniques. The books have also profoundly reviewed various classes of fillers like macro, micro and nano (ID, 2D and 3D) used in natural rubber industries. The applications and the life cycle analysis of these rubber based materials are also highlighted. 

Volume 1 of this book is comprised of 25 chapters, and discusses the different types of natural rubber based blends and IPNs. The first seven chapters discuss the general aspects of natural rubber blends like their miscibility, manufacturing methods, production and morphology development. The next ten chapters describe exclusively the properties of natural rubber blends with different polymers like thermoplastic, acrylic plastic, block or graft copolymers, etc. Chapter 18 deals entirely with clay reinforcement in natural rubber blends. Chapters 19 to 23 explain the major techniques used for characterizing various natural rubber based blends. The final two chapters give a brief explanation of life cycle analysis and the application of natural rubber based blends and IPNs. 

Life cycle assessment (also known as life cycle analysis, eco balance, and cradle-to-grave analysis) is a technique to assess environmental impact associated with all the stages of a product>s life from cradle to grave (i.e., from raw material extraction through materials processing, manufacture, distribution, use, repair and maintenance, and disposal or recycling). LCAs can help avoid a narrow outlook on environmental concerns by ... 

J0rgensen, S. E. 2000. Principles of Pollution Abatement Pollution Abatement for the 21st Century. New York/Amsterdam Elsevier. This is a revised and expanded version of the 1988 Principles of Environmental Science by the same author. Contents include mass conservation, energy conservation, risks and effects, water and wastewater problems, solid waste problems, and air pollution problems. The work features new tools such as ecotech-nology, cleaner technology, life-cycle analysis, and new environmental management techniques by changes in products and production methods. 

A key requirement is for firms (at all levels in the production chain) to undertake, as a first step, a life cycle analysis of their products, and to monitor the behaviour of their suppliers and customers. This may well occur in conjunction with an internal environmental review or audit, which will prompt the firm to scrutinise closely all aspects of its operations. There are a range of complex issues concerning the identification and measurement of environmental costs and benefits, and the impact of environmental factors on the valuation of company liabilities and productive assets, which are only now being fiiUy addressed by new environmental accounting techniques. Part of the problem is that there is no legal requirement for companies to disclose environmental expenditures separately, or to report publicly on their environmental policy and performance, although this is likely to change in the future. 

Some safety analysis techniques and their typical use are presented in Figure 3 as given by CCPS (1992). It can be seen that together these hazard evaluation methods cover well the needs of the life cycle of a process plant. However this is not a complete list but also some other methods are applicable as seen in Ch. 5. 

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